Himkatha's Autumn Issue on Plants
The Autumn edition of Himkatha magazine was released just before Diwali 2023 (last year). I was given the incredible opportunity to write and illustrate for Himkatha, a fantastic magazine dedicated to indigenous cultures in the Himalayan region. This is a dream come true for me. Himkatha's platform for amplifying indigenous voices and stories has always resonated deeply. Being able to contribute my writing and artistic skills to such a meaningful publication feels truly special. I'm already brimming with hope for the piece, and I can't wait to delve into the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures. The community newsletter-building repository of unique stories, lived experiences, and indigenous perspectives of human-nature relations from the high Himalayas has always immensely fascinated me since I am a native as well, curious to share my own story with everyone.
Himkatha is a bi-annual newsletter that yearns to celebrate the human-nature relationships of the agro-pastoral communities that inhabit the high-elevation landscape of Himachal Pradesh. Civilization in this landscape dates back several millennia. Remoteness and tough weather conditions made it difficult to get to these places. In the process, they formed their own unique identity. Underling this was a sacred bond that people shared for the place which manifests in their folklore, traditions, beliefs, and their way of life. With improvements in accessibility, these regions became a subject of curiosity among explorers, and academics: history, anthropology, geology, ecology, and many more.
More recently, with a rise in tourism, travelers have reached these places and brought back stories depicting life from remote valleys that are broadcast regularly on popular media channels like Facebook and Instagram. Despite all of this, seldom have we heard from the people of these regions. Through HimKatha, there is a hope to explore and celebrate these local cultures, traditions, and practices that have stood the test of time. They encourage local communities to share their stories, experiences, and knowledge through the newsletter. While doing so, there's a hope not to shy away from discussing nature conservation topics that concern the region.
"Himkatha is an initiative supported by the Nature Conservation Foundation, Snow Leopard Trust and Chola"
Theme: Plants of the High Himalayas
You can find my work published online as well at: https://www.himkatha.org/unveiling-an-enigmatic-jewel
